SEXUAL EXPLOITATION LAWYER TORONTO

If you have been charged with sexual exploitation in Toronto, you are facing a serious criminal allegation that can affect your freedom, career, professional licence, relationships, and reputation.

Sexual exploitation is a specific offence under section 153 of the Criminal Code. It generally concerns allegations involving a person aged 16 or 17 and a relationship involving trust, authority, dependency, or exploitation. The Crown must prove the required elements of the offence beyond a reasonable doubt.

Goodman Berman, Barristers, defends sexual exploitation and related sexual offence charges throughout Toronto and Ontario.

What You Should Do if You’ve Charged with Sexual Exploitation?

A sexual exploitation investigation can affect your life before a case ever reaches trial. Police may want to interview you, your phone or other devices may contain relevant communications, and your employment or professional position may be at risk.

Do not assume that explaining the relationship to police will resolve the situation. Speak with a criminal defence lawyer before making a statement.

Early legal advice can help you:

• Understand the allegation and potential charges
• Protect your legal rights during the investigation
• Address bail or release conditions
• Preserve relevant evidence and communications
• Assess the nature of the relationship
• Identify weaknesses in the Crown’s evidence
• Understand potential employment, licensing, immigration, and travel consequences

If police have contacted you about a sexual exploitation allegation, get legal advice before speaking with them.

What Is Sexual Exploitation?

Section 153 of the Criminal Code defines a specific offence involving a young person, which the Code defines as someone who is 16 or 17 years old. The offence can apply where the accused is in a position of trust or authority, where the young person is in a relationship of dependency with the accused, or where the relationship is exploitative.

The Crown must establish the required elements of the offence, which can include allegations that the accused:

• Touched the young person for a sexual purpose
• Invited, counselled, or incited the young person to sexual touching
• Invited, counselled, or incited the young person to expose their sexual organs
• Was in a relationship of trust, authority, dependency, or exploitation with the young person

The specific allegations and evidence determine what the Crown must prove in your case.

What Types of Relationships Can Lead to a Sexual Exploitation Charge?

Sexual exploitation allegations can arise in many different relationships. Examples may include:

Teacher and Student

A teacher or educator may face allegations involving a student who was 16 or 17 years old.

Coach and Athlete

Coaches, instructors, and other people involved in youth sports may face allegations where the Crown claims there was a position of trust, authority, or an exploitative relationship.

Employer and Young Employee

An allegation may arise where an adult employer or supervisor is accused of engaging in sexual conduct with a 16- or 17-year-old employee.

Counsellor, Mentor, or Caregiver

People who provide counselling, mentorship, supervision, or care may face allegations based on the nature of their relationship with a young person.

Family or Community Relationships

Allegations may involve relatives, family friends, religious leaders, or other adults who had influence, authority, or a position of trust.

The label attached to the relationship is not necessarily determinative. The circumstances, development of the relationship, age difference, and degree of control or influence may all be relevant. Section 153 specifically allows a judge to consider these factors when determining whether a relationship is exploitative.

Sexual Exploitation and the Age of Consent

One of the most common questions is: If the age of consent is 16, how can someone aged 16 or 17 be involved in a sexual exploitation charge?

The general age of consent in Canada is 16. However, the Criminal Code creates specific protections for 16- and 17-year-olds in certain relationships involving trust, authority, dependency, or exploitation.

This means that the fact that a person was 16 or 17 does not, by itself, answer whether section 153 applies. The nature of the relationship and the other elements of the offence must also be examined.

What the Crown Must Prove

A sexual exploitation charge is not established simply because two people had a relationship or because one person was older.

Depending on the specific allegation, the Crown may need to prove:

• The complainant was a young person under section 153
• The alleged touching or conduct occurred
• The conduct was for a sexual purpose
• The required relationship of trust, authority, dependency, or exploitation existed
• The other legal elements of the particular charge

The Crown bears the burden of proving the charge beyond a reasonable doubt.

How We Defend Sexual Exploitation Charges

Every case requires a defence strategy based on its particular facts and evidence.

Our lawyers may examine:

• The nature and development of the relationship
• The age difference between the parties
• Whether a position of trust or authority actually existed
• Whether the complainant was dependent on the accused
• The degree of control or influence alleged
• The circumstances of the alleged sexual conduct
• Text messages, emails, social media, and other communications
• Witness statements and credibility
• Police interviews and investigative methods
• Whether the Crown can prove each required element beyond a reasonable doubt

Where the case turns on the relationship between the accused and complainant, seemingly small details about how that relationship developed can become important evidence.

Online Sexual Exploitation Allegations

Not every sexual exploitation allegation involves physical contact.

Section 153 can also apply to allegations that an accused invited, counselled, or incited a young person to engage in sexual touching. As a result, communications through text messages, social media, video calls, or other online platforms may become important evidence.

A lawyer should carefully examine the complete communication history rather than relying on isolated messages or screenshots.

Sexual Exploitation of a Person with a Disability

Section 153.1 creates a separate offence involving the sexual exploitation of a person with a mental or physical disability.

This offence can apply where a person in a position of trust or authority, or in a relationship of dependency, is alleged to have counselled or incited the person to sexual touching or exposure for a sexual purpose without their consent. Unlike section 153, this offence is not limited to complainants aged 16 or 17.

If you have been charged under section 153.1, the defence must focus on the specific elements of that offence and the evidence supporting each allegation.

Bail and Release Conditions

If you are arrested or charged with sexual exploitation, you may be released with conditions or required to attend a bail hearing.

Conditions can restrict:

• Contact with the complainant
• Communication with witnesses
• Where you can go
• Where you can work
• Internet or electronic communications
• Travel
• Other aspects of your daily life

Do not contact the complainant or breach a release condition. Speak with your lawyer before taking action that could affect your bail.

Employment and Professional Licensing

A sexual exploitation allegation can create professional consequences even before a criminal case is resolved.

Teachers, healthcare professionals, coaches, regulated professionals, and others working with young people may face separate employment or professional disciplinary issues.

If your employment, licence, certification, or professional reputation is at risk, your criminal defence strategy should take these consequences into account from the beginning.

Immigration and Travel Consequences

If you are a permanent resident, international student, work permit holder, or otherwise not a Canadian citizen, a criminal charge or conviction may create additional immigration consequences.

Travel can also become more complicated depending on your bail conditions, the status of the criminal case, and your destination.

Tell your lawyer about your immigration status before making decisions about the case.

Consequences of a Sexual Exploitation Conviction

A conviction can have consequences beyond the immediate sentence, including:

• Criminal record
• Potential imprisonment
• Employment consequences
• Professional licensing issues
• Immigration consequences
• Travel restrictions
• Registration requirements
• Restrictions affecting future opportunities
• Damage to personal and professional reputation

The precise consequences depend on the charge, Crown election, circumstances, and outcome of the case.

Related Sexual Offence Charges

The sexual exploitation allegation may arise alongside other criminal allegations depending on the circumstances.

Related offences can include:

• Sexual interference
• Sexual assault
• Invitation to sexual touching
• Sexual assault with a weapon or causing bodily harm
• Aggravated sexual assault
• Historical sexual assault
• Other Criminal Code sexual offences

The appropriate defence depends on the specific charge and the evidence supporting each allegation.

What You Can Expect From Us

• Confidential communication
• No judgment
• Direct communication with counsel
• Clear explanation of your options
• Prompt attention to urgent issues
• Strategic advice before speaking to police
• Preparation for each court appearance
• Honest assessment of strengths and weaknesses

What Should I Do If Police Want to Talk to Me?

Do not assume that cooperating with an interview without legal advice will help your situation.

You should speak with a criminal defence lawyer before answering questions about a sexual exploitation allegation. Your lawyer can advise you about your rights and the appropriate response to the investigation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sexual Exploitation Cases

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CSL Thakor Parvin was incredibly patient and supportive from the very beginning. Unlike other lawyers I consulted who seemed rushed and did not fully listen, Ms. Parvin took the time to carefully understand my case and thoroughly review my evidence.
Her attention to detail and careful preparation made a real difference. Because she fully understood the issues, the trial on January 28, 2026 did not even proceed past the first break — the matter was dismissed after the first half of cross-examination.
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As the wife of the client, I witnessed how difficult this case was for our family. Mr. Goodman handled everything with compassion, professionalism, and integrity. His support and dedication brought us reassurance during an incredibly stressful time, and the positive outcome reflects his exceptional expertise. We are deeply grateful and highly recommend his services.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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I am extremely grateful for the outstanding legal support provided by Mr. Goodman. He represented my friend Waqas with professionalism, dedication, and deep knowledge of the law. From start to finish, Mr. Goodman was confident, clear, and always reassuring. Thanks to his hard work and expertise, all charges against Waqas were completely dropped. We couldn’t have asked for a better outcome. I highly recommend Mr. Goodman to anyone looking for an honest, skilled, and reliable lawyer
  
 
  
 
 
 
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I am Waqas profoundly grateful to Mr. Goodman for his compassion, strength, and unwavering professionalism throughout my case. This was one of the most painful and emotionally challenging experiences of my life, and Mr. Goodman stood by me with dignity, sensitivity, and genuine care at every step. His clear guidance, patience, and dedication gave me the courage to keep going when I felt overwhelmed. Today’s positive outcome is a true reflection of his expertise, integrity, and commitment to justice. I will always be thankful to Mr. Goodman and highly recommend his services to anyone in need of a lawyer who truly cares.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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This place is very unprofessional. Dixon is not kind and talks down to people. He treated my friend badly and did not show any care or understanding. You think a lawyer will help you, but he does not do much except ask for more time on the case and talk over you.  When you speak up, don’t expect any empathy, only care about money and will drop you like it does not matter.
Do not hire this firm. The receptionist is also rude and does not know how to treat people nicely. Wish I could give one star.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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I can’t thank Marissa Etwaroo enough for the efforts and dedication she has put into my case. She eased my time going through what was difficult for me. Her communication, knowledge and experience help make me deal with the case less stressfully. She was very thorough and attentive throughout the whole process, and definitely on top of things. She took the time to listen to me and gave her advice and input when it was necessary. And I got to say I was satisfied by how she was handling things but the way she fought and defended  me when it mattered the most was beyond my expectations. As a result she got me the best outcome!
I highly recommend Marissa Etwaroo, from my experience she will make you understand the process and will be there for you when it matters the most.
Marissa has definitely gone above and beyond with her efforts and she has impacted relevant aspects of my life related to my case in a great way! I am very appreciative and grateful for.

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